Yes, Paeton, there will be lights

Friday

Dec 13, 2013 at 5:00 PM

Ardeth Sneath reflects on Christmas lights and children.

It's the time of year when kids have already started thinking about what they want from Santa Claus. Many children have already written their letters to Santa. And, I'm sure lots of kids haven't mailed their letters. Some of them are probably waiting to send their letters in case they might come up with something they forgot to list.
One of my little friend's was very upset last Christmas season because I didn't have any outside lights.
Well, this year my daughter, Cindy Wallin, made me get some lights in late November so she could get them up early.
My little friend is Paeton Coates. Paeton is 6 years old and in kindergarten at the Primary School. She had been so concerned about me not having outside lights. When she saw I had some outside lights this year she told her mother she wished everyone could put some up.
Paeton has written her letter to Santa telling him what she'd like to receive. Some of the things she listed were Easy Bake Oven - Food, Barbie swimsuit, a movie plate for car and play dough.
This doesn't seem like a very big list for a 6-year-old. Even though her letter has been written, it hasn't been sent. And, that's good because one day she started crying because she forgot to mention a new coat and didn't think she had room to add anything to her note.
Paeton is the daughter of Nicole and Danny Coates. She has a brother, Bret, who will turn 3 on Dec. 16. Grandparents are Bret and Jeanne Coates of La Junta.
I'm sure that Paeton and brother will get to see all the homes that have outside Christmas decorations this season. There are several homes that are already decorated and more working on decorations.
All you youngsters have a wonderful holiday season.
I've already had what I consider a nice Christmas! In September there were five girls (well, they are all women now) who gathered in Fowler for a weekend getaway. They met in Fowler because the one who lives there couldn't travel to another area. These girls lived at the Otero Junior College when my husband, Bob, and myself served as dorm parents. What a fun bunch they were. They came to La Junta, where I was so happy to join them. I'll write a column about our luncheon meeting at a later time.